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field bindweed
Scientific Name: Convolvulus arvensis
Family: Convolvulaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Vine, Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis)
Field bindweed, also known as creeping jenny, European bindweed, or morning glory, is a persistent perennial vine with a reputation for being difficult to eradicate.
Considerations for Pets and Children
- The text mentions that bindweed contains cardiac glycosides.
- Stems are strong and can entangle, creating potential tripping hazards.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Convolvulus arvensis L.
- Common Names: Field bindweed, creeping jenny, European bindweed, morning glory, wild morning glory, bellbind.
- Family: Convolvulaceae (Morning Glory Family)
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Europe and Asia.
- Found throughout England, Wales, and the Pacific Northwest (PNW).
- Documented in California as early as 1884 (San Diego).
- Habitats include gardens, lawns, roadsides, waste areas, cropland, pastures, fence rows, cultivated land, dunes, and hedgerows.
Ecological Role
- Considered a Class C noxious weed in Washington State and Lincoln County.
- It is considered a serious weed in 14 countries and a problem in 19 others.
- Aggressively invades disturbed sites, including agricultural fields and greenhouses.
- Outcompetes native plant species and can reduce crop yields.
- In natural environments, C. arvensis competes with and displaces native bindweeds.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Perennial vine with slender twining or trailing stems that can grow to 5 feet (1.5 m) or longer.
- Stems are weak-stemmed and prostrate.
- Flowers are white or pink, morning-glory-like.
- Leaves are sharp-lobed and arrow-shaped.
- Extensive root and rhizome system reaching depths of 20 to 30 feet.
- Reproduces by seeds and creeping, horizontal roots (rhizomes).
- Seedlings are erect and sturdy, especially when grown in full sunlight. The seedling stem (hypocotyl) is 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) long.
- The plant stores a two to three-year food supply in its underground root system.
- Perennial climber growing up to 2 m (6ft 7in).
- It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Roots compete with crops for moisture and nutrients.
- Stems can entangle other plants.
Resources and Further Information
- BBC Gardeners' World Magazine: For advice on organic or chemical solutions to remove field bindweed.
- Bayer CropScience: Information on crop protection products.
- Management of Invasive Plants in Wisconsin series.
- Invasive Plants: http://www.na.fs.fed.us/fhp/invasive_plants
- Kelly Cooley, abinvasives.ca (Last Updated January 2014)